This may be specific to Vista Ultimate, but there is already a scheduled task to defrag the hard drive when the computer is not busy and is plugged into AC (for laptops).

Digsby uses more memory than firefox or dwm (vista's window manager)... but it's worth every megabyte.

@Ashley927: Sometimes you just have to try. The instructions are complicated - but well written.

Somehow I just don't trust software hosted on anglefire. Maybe I'm just paranoid.

Most Linksys wifi access points will work in this mode, and cost well under $100.

for cripesakes... stop arguing the philosophy of a free class. No, you don't get credit... but there is an exchange of tangible items.

I use the crisper drawers to store soda cans... thats about it. great article!

@BEN: This would explain why [wildwestdomains.com] is the largest domain name holder in the world... they're owned by GoDaddy.

@A3sthetix:

Congrats Kevin, I'm already enjoying the linux content.

FTP Access? Dreamhost web hosting offers SSH, SFTP, and plain FTP access. They offer more storage space and bandwidth than you'll ever be able to legally use.

MEEDUCATED: you can export contacts by dumping them to a csv file from your old account, then import them into the new account.

Great write up. For those of you who are new to domain name services, I would suggest using a registrar (the folks that you pay to secure your domain name) that offer identity protection.

VPN - yes, that would have been very cool.

Wired doesn't get it... I got my Wii last week, here's how: [binaryspiral.com]

Tor is great for those in oppressive sections of the internet, like China or middle east. But bad for just about everyone else.

@Grungydan: Too right. Using a speaker phone (or desktop mic and speakers) instead of a headset or handset in an office environment is just plain RUDE.

I'm running this on a 2nd PC on my desk at work.

@urban_ninjya: You've obviously never had a determined toddler in your presence. Ninja? No. Drunken' sailor like walking infant hell bent on bashing into things? Yes

If the talcum powder doesn't work, you or a skilled craftsman can introduce screws from under the floor to secure the loose boards. The trick is to not drill through the floor - so you have to use a screw that's -just- long enough to bite into the top layer of wood.